Banjo playing therapist changing lives in Albany

One Albany man began his career going one direction and then took a different path and is now helping others, but he's never forgotten his first love for music.

At the crossroads of West Broad Avenue and North Jefferson Street in Albany, two passions cross at the office of Andy Martin.

"I am a jack of all trades and a master of some perhaps. I was a music teacher when I first got out of college and I was a band director for almost six years. I still love music but trying to control crowds wasn't my thing," said Martin.

Martin's love affair with music spans three decades, but he now has a new love interest, one that has held his attention for nearly 13 years.

"I kind of felt stuck in my late 20's because there I was five years into a profession that I assumed I would be doing for the rest of my life, and it didn't seem like it was going to work out that way," said Martin.

That's when the music lover channeled his energy towards becoming a therapist for people with addiction.

"I help people that are trying to find a solution that works," said Martin.

This versatile counselor by day and band member of the High back Rockers by night keeps his life balanced by soothing his soul with music.

"It's very common for me to go home and pick up my instrument, it kind of resets my brain, it helps me to relax and it helps me to forget about things that might be troubling me," said Martin.

Martin's main goal is to help those who find their way into his third floor office, whether they're battling addiction, depression, or anxiety.

He aims to make sure each client walks out the door with the instrument they need to overcome their troubles.

Aside from playing the fiddle and the banjo Martin also plays the guitar and has experience playing the trombone.